By the time the FBU leader came to the end of his strike-tour of picket lines and mass rallies, his tone was notably more conciliatory.

BBC: Scent of possible compromise

Scottish Conservative leader Annabel Goldie called for the first minister to tell his MSPs to cross the picket line if next week's strike action by the Public and Commercial Services union goes ahead.

BBC: First minister's questions

One key factor that could determine the damage caused by the strike is whether members of a powerful Hollywood Teamsters local honor the picket lines.

NPR: Film and TV Writers Go on Strike